The Rehearsal Chronicles

What's Been Keeping Us Busy?

2011-10-23T23:46:00.006-04:00

As part of a "behind the scenes" look at our everyday lives at the theatre, we have created a video blog (or a vlog, if you will) that chronicles getting ready for our production of Wizard of Oz and some of the various concerts and events. Check it out- warning: sometimes fatigue produces silliness.

EPISODE ONE

EPISODE TWO

EPISODE THREE

EPISODE FOUR

EPISODE FIVE

EPISODE SIX

40 Never Looked So Good

2011-10-01T14:04:00.003-04:00

40 years ago today Walt Disney World opened. Even though I was not born, it was a day that would change my life forever. Nikki's too- her's was change by association. Happy birthday, friend!

Happy 56th Birthday Disneyland

2011-07-17T16:08:00.001-04:00

Congrats to Robert & Amanda (and some kudos)

2011-07-11T00:06:00.002-04:00

I should be in bed right now, but as usual... I can't get sleepy. I have been running like crazy since two weeks before Guys and Dolls which opened on June 23 and closed two weeks ago today. Sometimes it happens like that- you get a buzz and it doesn't leave for quite some time. Yes, I am tired, but not so tired that I have to be a baby.

This weekend (the whole week for that matter) was very full. Fourth day of a four day concert on the Fourth of July, after a four day show run the week before as well. Building a little show called Narnia in the next three weeks. Three trips to the airport in Atlanta in three days and one to the airport in Asheville as well- not all me, but making sure the transportation and people are all arranged properly. A wedding (more about that in a bit) rehearsal on Friday night, wedding on Saturday afternoon, concert on Saturday night and a bus load of folks back to the airport in Atlanta Sunday morning. Why do I write all this? Someday my future physicians will need to look back and this and read why I am in the state that I am.

The wedding (because all the other is much less interesting) was a wonderful experience. Robert Jessup and Amanda Munger became Robert and Amanda Jessup on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Nikki and I "coordinated" the ceremony, however, Amanda had already done all the work and so we just had to show and carry on. It was a reversal of roles, if you will. Usually it is my vision and Amanda carries out the production. This time, I was her stage manager- as a visionary, I will give her an A plus.

No, beyond A plus. For those of you who might not know, Amanda did everything for this event. I mean everything, down to the creation of the dress, the reception center pieces, the invitations, completely all from top to bottom. At the same time she was working forty plus hours a week at the theatre and stage managed a major production less than two weeks earlier. To build a wedding from the ground up while working more than full time is as crazy as mounting a dozen shows a year. (We all seem to be surrounded by mutual crazy people.) Not only did Amanda more than excel at her job, but she pulled off a wonderful event with out even a hint of being a Bridezilla. To those of you that think you work hard, suck it. No comparison.

Nikki and I were honored to be a small part of that wonderful day. Very few people know what Amanda actually does when it comes to a stage production, not to mention the everyday running of a public theatrical venue and weekly concerts. After all, she spends most productions standing in the dark out of sight of the audience. This is the best way I can describe it: imagine doing a show is like baking a cake. I gather the ingredients, pick the flavors, the style of cake and frosting. You mix all those pieces together and toss it in the oven to bake, but if you just toss it the cake mix will drip and ooze into an uncollected mess. What you need is a sturdy, reliable cake pan. The best way to describe my working relationship with Amanda is she is the production's bundt pan- she holds it all together.

I have been to many weddings in my life. I love going to weddings, especially those with a good reception. The thing I always notice is the spirit. At Robert and Amanda's wedding, there was a wonderful peace and an overwhelming joy through the entire experience. They, without a doubt, were created for one another, because such joy cannot be faked or created out of nothing. Yes, I teared up.

The best part about going to all these weddings (the joyful ones) is it takes me back to my own wedding day. I have said so many times and will say many more that I have never experienced a day of such wonderful happiness. Just thinking about it I get the "good" butterflies in my stomach and more often than not, I catch myself thinking about that day and I realize I have a giant smile (like right now.) Very rarely is there a day that goes by that I don't regret something- I could have painted that better, made that direction cleaner, stood in the sunshine a little longer, only drank one dr. pepper, but when I think of the day I married my sweetheart, I regret nothing.

One time Nikki gave me a list of quotes all about love. My favorite one that best describes her and me is "love is like a butterfly, it settles upon you when you least expect it."

Many happy days Robert and Amanda!

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T09:19:00.001-04:00

Happy Number Two!

2011-07-03T21:42:00.002-04:00

Two years ago tonight was the grand opening of The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. Congrats to the past and here's to the future!

Backstage With the Cast

2011-06-22T16:31:00.003-04:00

Backstage with the cast of Guys and Dolls at our first full dress rehearsal. Check it out!

Lucky Be A Lady Tonight!

2011-06-21T18:01:00.001-04:00

Guys and Dolls June 23, 24, 25 at 7:30pm & June 26 at 2:30pm! Great singing, dancing and lots of laughs- a Broadway classic!

What to Do While Waiting for Star Tours to Re- Open?

2011-06-10T20:55:00.000-04:00

I Can't Wait for This! Ha!

2011-05-25T18:41:00.001-04:00

My Life is So Strange (but in a good way)

2011-05-22T22:15:00.002-04:00

This was one of those weekends where I love my job. I always enjoy my job, but some times it is way too good.

For this whole experience to make sense, I need to go back over twenty years ago. It was the summer before I went into seventh grade and the Disney Channel was only a few years old. One particular day the channel was showing old retro editions of the Wonderful World of Disney. The episode airing that day was the Osmond Brothers and Kurt Russel opening the new Haunted Mansion attraction. I taped it (on VHS of course) and watched it over and over. The show was so cheesy, it was wonderful: the bell bottom costumes with fringe, the hair cuts and the whole "gee-whiz" attitude. To this day... amazing in every sense of the word.

Advance to May 20, 2011. The Osmond Brothers were going to be performing at the theatre. Wow, they must be really old. That's what I thought and I was right, but from the show they put on, you would never know. By far one of the best I have seen in the past two years. Nothing but pure bubblegum joyfulness. Not only that, they were some of the nicest performers we have met- they even tried to buy our dinner in Atlanta.

Coming from Branson, where the brothers are currently performing, they were flying into Atlanta airport with their band. Someone would need to pick them up, so Samuel and I headed down Friday afternoon with the shuttle bus for an 8:25pm pick up of the American music legends. I knew things were going to go well when the first thing they said when they got on the bus was, "Where is the nearest Chic-fil-a?" I kid you not...

Show was great (see above section of this post) and Sunday morning back to the airport. Since it wasn't late at night this time, they were very talky. I answered lots of questions about the area, the theatre and giggled under my breath when they got excited everytime they saw a veggie stand on the side of the road. To quote, "Wow, we don't have farmers markets in Branson." It was lots of fun to talk to them. After I felt like I wouldn't be annoying, I brought up the story of watching them on a re-run episode of the Wonderful World of Disney episode that summer before seventh grade. Not only were they excited to talk about it, but they told me all about the experience of how they filmed it and several other projects with Disney.

How crazy is life. Today I drank Dr. Pepper with those same guys with the silly haircuts and deep down, secretly in my heart if only for a brief moment, I wish I had fringe on my cuffs.

Spectacular!

2011-05-21T14:45:00.003-04:00

If you don't already know I am a nerd, then where have you been?

I found this great picture of the construction of Spaceship Earth at Epcot, or as Nikki calls it, "the big, silver golf ball." This is taken from the rear of the attraction and you can see the monorail beams circling the someday to be park. The greatest thing about this photo is you can see the corkscrew design of the ride inside the sphere and realize how high you actually go.

Fun facts bout Nikki's second favorite Disney ride:

The geosphere is 165 feet in diameter, 180 feet high (it stands 15 feet off the ground), encompasses 2,200,000 cubic feet of space, weighs 15.5 million pounds, has an outside surface of 150,000 square feet, and is covered by 11,324-silvered facets on 954 triangular panels. The exterior tiles are made of Alucobond¨ material, a composite of ethylene plastic which has been chemically bonded between two aluminum panels. The name comes from ALUminum Composite BOND. This material can withstand the Florida climate and is self - cleaning. A specially designed gutter system prevents water from cascading off the sphere; rainwater is channeled through the structure and sent to underground drains, where it replenishes the World Showcase Lagoon. The pilings for Spaceship Earth extend far into the ground with a range of 110 to 185 feet.

Pirates 4 Premiere... With a Great Host

2011-05-10T18:31:00.000-04:00

2011-04-30T14:44:00.001-04:00

Couldn't go all week without at least one post about this wonderful place.

Three Years Ago Today Life Changed... So Good

2011-04-19T21:59:00.003-04:00

Three years ago today I married my sweetie. By far the greatest decision of my life and the greatest day of my life. Each year we watch the picture show that we showed at our rehearsal dinner. Just in case you missed it two years ago, check it out here. The one thing you will notice is we are always doing a show or we are always at Disney World. the best things in life, I tell you... the best things.

Do-Ti-Ti-La-Fa-Mi-Do-Re-So-So-Do

2011-04-16T15:41:00.002-04:00

"Anything!"

Like Mother Like Son

2011-03-17T09:10:00.001-04:00

Don't you hate it when you show up somewhere and realize you are dressed like someone else? I guess they're both afraid of being pinched today. Happy St. Patty's Day!

Just When You Think It's Safe

2011-03-12T14:02:00.002-05:00

You realize the world is full of bigger morons than you first imagined. Note to self, create a pesticide for idiots.

When You Think About...

2011-03-01T21:20:00.000-05:00

SEUSS!

You Know It's Time to Do Laundry When...

2011-03-01T16:23:00.001-05:00

Lost Footage

2011-02-28T02:04:00.001-05:00

I just discovered this lost footage of Nikki when she was younger. I am here to say rehab does work.

New Babies

2011-02-22T12:41:00.001-05:00

Now we know how puppets are born.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T22:27:00.001-05:00

"A heart is not judged by how much you love, but how much you are loved by others."- The Tin Man

Show Time

2011-02-08T17:44:00.002-05:00

An absolutely de-lovely evening.

Complete with grumpy patrons. Maybe her panty hose are too tight.

When Actors Aren't Around...

2011-02-05T14:34:00.001-05:00

It's delightful, it's delicious, it's delectable, it's delerious, it's delima, it's delimit, it's DE-DIVA!

Gettin' Funky

2011-01-27T17:26:00.019-05:00

Nikki and I celebrated our birthday with a 1970's roller disco party (she didn't know till we drove up to the skating rink- tee hee) complete with a cake fitted for a funky-get-down-night.
Fun for all involved. I'm not sure who these kids are. I think they just snuck in and ate free food.

Andy's first time on wheels. Looks like he's getting the hang of it. Ok- maybe he's just hanging onto Nellie... or hanging on for dear life.
Rachel was a skating maniac. The wind could not even keep up with her.

Some folks came dressed. Kind of creeps me out.

Some folks just pulled out clothes from the back of their closet. Effie wore this exact outfit to the original Woodstock... and Abraham Lincoln's inauguration.

You bet your sweet bippy!

Freaks on parade. This is the reason certain folks should be made to report their history when moving into a new neighborhood.

Hoping it's ladies night...

Rachel and Amanda had a race to see who could break the sound barrier first.

Some of our little ones needed extra attention...

Like Camila with Rosie...

Like Alex (sans skates) with Rachel.

Some of our older ones couldn't make it all night. It could be the left over smells attached to the vest that are making her sleepy... if you know what I mean.

Birthday girl and fabulously fun foreign lady. She gets a bit of an excuse. Growing up in England, she didn't know that leg warmers arrived until the '80s. Everyone went home having lots of fun and happy...

Some folks just tried to get home and leave the freaks behind. Is she pointing to the door, police or a needle and thread so he can sew the button back on his shirt.

Thanks y'all! It was a great fun time. We need to do it again before we all are too old and get more sore than we were the following day or worse we collapse in the concession area like Effie.

70's Chic

2011-01-25T22:30:00.000-05:00

Peace out.

Happy Birthday Nikki (& Scotty)

2011-01-25T15:19:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to the most wonderfulist girl in the world!!! Sadly, I'm not in this special photo with Mickey because someone had to do the picture taking. That's ok- just being there was pleasure enough. Here's to many more magical days!

35 and 38

2011-01-24T21:37:00.002-05:00

So, tomorrow Nikki and I have a very special day. She will turn 35 and will turn 38. Who knew we were so old? Yes, we both look much younger than we actually are. I have been thinking alot about the past year- yes, it is true, the older you get the quicker the birthdays come. So many people used to tell me that and I would be sure, whatever. It is so true. Just yesterday I was a fourth grader picking out stuff for my Halloween costume and today I am only a few hours away from being two years away from the age of 40. 40?!?!??!?!?!? As the years go by, I am getting older. Notice I did not say older and wiser- if I were anymore wise, the world could not handle me.

Not long ago I was looking at pictures and found one of my seventh birthday party, held at the local Dairy Queen. I know I was seven and in the first grade because that year I had found a shirt with a brown seven on the chest and brown stripes circling down the arms. I had to have that shirt because it had a seven on it and I was going to be seven! Can you believe it? I was even wise back then. So anyway, I am looking at this picture (photographed in 1980) at my mom wearing her classic '70's polyester pants of checked fabric (everyone's mother at that party had them on- ask to see the picture sometime, it's great!) and I realized that in that photograph the age she is there, at my seventh birthday party, I am now (or will be in a moment) seven years OLDER than she was at that time! Hello mortality. When I look at my mom in that picture, I am her elder! What's even crazier, I have checkered pants too- not the polyester kind though.

To celebrate our birthdays, Nikki and I took a quick overnight trip to the ATL this weekend. A little shopping and a lot of eating. I bought a great pair of red tennis shoes to celebrate the fact I am now my mothers elder. I may look older, but my feet are going to scream youth. After working most of the day Friday, we headed out and went straight to one of our favorites, Bahama Breeze. Yum to the tenth. We went back to the mall, shopped a bit, though about seeing a movie but decided to go to Starbucks instead and get a nice frothy drink. While in line, I said I would like some dessert- Nikki had the same thought. We work together well like that. Tis also the reason I can see my cheeks when I smile. But where to go get dessert at 10pm? I'm not sure if you have ever had one, but I love the sizzling apple crisp at On the Border- wonderful. We head on over, not thinking that they will also be bringing an endless supply of tortilla chips and salsa. You may be telling yourself about now, but did they not just eat Bahama Breeze about four hours ago. Yes, we did. Do not judge me.

Of course, they bring the chips. Of course, I eat them and get a bowl of white cheese for dipping... and two more Dr. Peppers. Even though I was not hungry, I had gone after dessert and I was not going to upset my lovely wife by not ordering one to share. By the time I left that second restaurant with my second dinner complete, no amount of Nexium would keep my sensitive stomach in line. I had committed a terrible sin. I am ashamed. If Samuel drove the Lard A** bus instead of the Buzz Bus, I would have called that number and paid my four dollars.

On to the birthday, so I am turning 38. 38? Yes, 38. So in celebration, I decided I would create a list of 38 of my favorite things, in no particular order (except the last one- I saved the best one for last.)

1. No surprise: Dr. Pepper, however, let me be more specific. Dr. Pepper in a glass (not plastic, not a can) with crushed ice. I once had a little boy tell me in vacation bible school tell me that in heaven God will give us punch and cookies. I think Dr. Pepper and pizza.

2. No surprise: Disney. All things Disney.

3. Jazzy. He's grown on me and I actually think I will miss him when he runs away... I mean if he runs away.

4. Road trips: I love the destination, but I also love seeing the things on the way there... especially every chic-fil-a along the way. Which brings me to...

5. No surprise: Chic-fil-a. Need I say more. By the way, the best Dr. Pepper of any fast food restaurant. Perfect combination of syrup and seltzer.

6. My family: they are my cheerleaders. Even when I am stupid, which is very seldom, because remember I'm wise.

7. Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. Relaxes me.

8. Cds: I have a ridiculous collection of cds, mostly shows. I love to look at my cd shelf and see which ones have scratched covers. That's my way of seeing the "most played" cd. I also like thinking back about what was happening in my life when I first heard that cd. The first time I direct Annie, I listened to Ragtime a lot. The first time I did Beauty and the Beast, the summer of Tarzan. The Christmas I was having a strong disagreement with Nikki, Chicken Little. Read into that what you must.

9. The color red. I've always liked red, bright hurt your eyes red. I have, however, only owned one red car in my life. Perhaps the next one?

10. Wind in the summer: Not hurricane wind, but a brisk breeze, especially around dusk.

11. The smell of fresh asphalt. It reminds me of my childhood. Yes, we used to play around the tar plant. Just kidding, it reminds me of a campground we would go to. Yes, I used to camp. Used to is the key phrase. When your little and your parents tell you something is fun, you usually believe them. When you get older, you can form your own opinion and about camping, I have.

12. Oprah: I've never thought of you as inspirational, if anything I blew you off, but your new network is my newest favorite guilty pleasure. I also have new respect you, Oprah, except for that whole Obama fiasco.

13. Shorts: I hate pants but since it is inappropriate to walk down the street in your underwear, I enjoy a good pair of shorts. From looking in my closet, plaid seems to be the color (?) of choice. Must harken back to my seventh birthday party.

14. Laughing till I cry. I put a lot of pressure on myself. Sometimes, especially when I'm tired and Nikki is under the influence of Tylenol PM, I get so giddy I can't breath. Nikki is really funny (or mean) when she is sleepy.

15. People who are confident in their abilities. If you are good at something, show me, don't tell me. Confidence is not intimidating as most people think, but comforting. Especially if you are a dentist.

16. Cool Ranch Doritos. I remember being in the first grade listening to a record storybook of Star Wars (you know the kind where you turn the page when you hear the chimes, but since this was Stars Wars, it was an R2D2 beep) while eating Nacho Cheese Doritos. I thought life could not get better, then came Cool Ranch Dortios. I haven't looked back since.

17. A show or movie that I can't shake for days after viewing it. Be it funny, emotional or just so well done that I can't stand it. Which leads to...

18. Movie soundtracks: I sort of covered it with my cd likes. I love a good movie that makes me go out and buy the score right after or the very next day. I get a lot of my stage ideas from listening to music from movie soundtracks- those without words. One of the most vision inducing: the movie Dinosaur. Yea, go figure.

19. Cream Cheese goes good with everything. Even Cool Ranch Doritos. Yes, I have tired it.

20. Spanish moss hanging from trees.

21. Palm trees. I love Florida, and not just because of Disney. You may say other states have palm trees, but not like Florida.

22. Here I go again, another reference to Disney. Castaway Cay, Disney's private island. Para to the dise and then some.

23. Adidas tennis shoes. Nike hurt my feet. Puma a great but for some reason I have to get at least a size larger. When you wear pumas, it is almost a mental thought of thinking you've eaten too much salt and now you have water retention.

24. Pineapple: it hurst my mouth, but wow, it is good.

25. Vinylmations: I did not know you a year ago, but you have opened my creativity. People may laugh and stare, but ours is a special friendship. My wife loves you too, although she doesn't want to admit it. Kinda like me and Jazzy.

26. Jesus loves me. He gives me so much more attention than I deserve.

27. The smell of laundry washed in Tide. Bounce fabric sheets too (fresh scent.)

28. Water color paints.

29. The Wizard of Oz is the greatest movie ever made. I love the lyrics to the beginning of Somewhere Over the Rainbow- not the ones you hear in the movie, but the lyrics that you can only see on some pieces of the sheet music.

30. Picture books. I don't read much, but I love to look at beautiful photos and illustrations. That's the way I read most newspapers. If the picture looks interesting, I'll give the article a chance.

31. I love it when I can make people excited. You can tell when it is genuine and when it is out of courtesy. I only like the genuine. Notice I said excited instead of happy. Excited is about forty-three steps beyond happy. Happy is one ingredient in the cake of excitement.

32. Nerds. Because they make me feel better about myself and give me confidence. Some may say that I am a nerd, but I scoff at you and ask my vinylmations for their opinion.

33.City buildings at night.

34. Having my calves squeezed. Most people have tension in their shoulders. All of my stress goes to my calves. To squeeze them is to make me buy you a car.

35. Wedding photos of Nikki and me. By far the happiest, most fun day I have ever experienced. There is nothing about that day I would change or do over.

36. My parents house when you first walk in. I love the smell, the thoughts, the memories. I love how being there makes you feel like everything will always be perfect.

37. Showbusiness. Everything about it.

And finally...

38. My Nikki. There is no one else I would rather share a birthday with, or a life for that matter. I know there are three reasons I was created. Two of which are a whole other blog. One was to love Nikki. Before I was born and I was nothing more than a spark in the hand of God, He knew He was creating me for the purpose of loving Nikki. For years I knew the other two reasons, but until number 35 above, I didn't realize the third. How appropriate that the day I was born is also the day she was born. How funny to think that in the many years ago on my third birthday, my future was being set into motion. She is my best friend, my secret keeper and my reason to breath. Every night when it is time to go to bed and cozy up in the covers, I get an excited jump in the pit of my stomach- it feels like Christmas Eve every night. She's the greatest! It also helps that she likes, chic-fil-a and doritos too.

So, 38. 38? Oh, who cares. Where's the cake?!?!?

PS- I'll pull out that picture of me in the "7" shirt at Dairy Queen. You'll agree, it was quite magical.

From Kathie Eldredge

2011-01-22T11:10:00.001-05:00

See, I'm not the only crazy...

It's De Lovely!

2011-01-21T10:34:00.002-05:00

New promotioanl video for the upcoming performance of De Lovely, a delightful dinner show featuring the music of Cole Porter. February 3, 4, 5 at 6:30pm.

Tickets are available now at the theatre box office or by going to www.greatmountainmusic.com

Blow Your Socks Off!

2011-01-19T22:56:00.002-05:00

This is a video of the new night time show at the Magic Kingdom. It began last night and looks spectacular. The photos are of guests from the park during the day. The amazing thing is the show looks animated, but it is all done with projections and lighting onto Cinderella's Castle. People wonder why I am so obsessed with that place, but one look at this video and the creativity and technology involved is enough to make your mouth drop open. Absolutely amazing- I can't wait to go see it live.

New Year, New Design

2011-01-18T17:50:00.001-05:00

Decided to change things up a bit.

Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades

2011-01-01T20:59:00.001-05:00

Great food, great company, great laughs, great time, great New Years Eve!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T15:18:00.001-05:00

All is Right...

2010-12-13T19:14:00.000-05:00

...With the world.

Go See It!!!

2010-11-25T13:48:00.002-05:00

If you have two hours to spare this weekend, go see the newest Disney animated feature Tangled. If you do not have two hours to spare this weekend, make two hours and go see it. This latest creation by the Disney masters is phenomenal! After several years of duds (yes, I'm including the Pixar movies too- I don't think they are as great as everyone exclaims, although Bugs Life is pretty near perfect), finally a great movie musical that has a story and dazzling visuals. Not since Pocahontas (yes- I love that one much to the shrugs of others) has there been a classic golden Disney musical. Movies like this is why I am such a nut over the creative wonders of the Disney organization. Great storytelling, wonderful music by Alan Menkin (the greatest musical writer of all time) and everything magical that a movie could and should be- did I mention it has a great story. It is so great to have an interesting plot. So, so, so good! I plan to see it at least five more times, I suggest you do the same. Did I mention I think everyone should go see it? When I first heard Mandy Moore was the voice of Rapunzel, I was distraught- but I even like her in this movie. In others words, go see it. Twice.

My Wife...

2010-11-19T18:37:00.000-05:00

Being naughty.

Trick-or-Treat Time

2010-10-30T16:02:00.001-04:00

That's the Story of My Life, Yes Sir

2010-10-18T00:31:00.002-04:00

So here I am, 12:30am. I am on one of those not sleeping until 3am kicks. Why? Not sure- one would think I would be exhausted. Oh wait...

Don't get me wrong. I love my life, I love my job, I love my wife (I just threw that last one in there so she wouldn't say why did I not mention her with all that talk of love) but sometimes I get so tired that I don't know how to be un-tired.

This is an example of my week:

Monday- (Day) Asheville. Fabric/ prop shopping for J & H. Most people would think this would be a great day away from the office. Imagine trying to plan every meal for a group of strangers for a year. That is the equivalent of designing a show. You have a "taste" you are going for, you just hope you can find the correct ingredients and if one certain spice is not available, then you have to change the whole dish and sometimes an entire meal on the spur of the moment. At the same time, you have to think ahead and behind to make sure you don't serve chicken and rice three meals in a row or even worse become predictable and serve it at the same time every week in the same portion. If you don't get this analogy, it's ok. It makes perfect sense to me, but then again so does flushing the toilet after you pee and most people that use the restroom at the theatre don't agree. (Night) Two and a half hours of rehearsal and the end of Dancing with the Stars. That show drives me crazy, but at the same time you can't look away. Oh Monday evening, why do you have to forsake us with nothing to watch after rehearsal but a group of "B" listers with spray tans?!?!?!??

Tuesday- (Day) Begin building costumes. Pull everything from the warehouse that might work for J & H. Sounds simple. No need for another analogy. (Night) Two hours of rehearsal. My 40 hour week is half way over (time card wise.)

Wednesday- More of the same. (Day) Building, planning, (Nigh) rehearsing. Costumes everywhere. Fabric everywhere. Chinese children singing "Joseph"- that was the best part.

Thursday- Nikki goes out of town. Sleep patterns get worse. One would think being elbowed all night would be uncomfortable. It seems to have the opposite affect on me. When I am not being kicked, I stay awake. Last rehearsal of the week- must fit all the costumes we have completed the last couple of days in order to finish them over the weekend.

Friday- (Day) Sew, sew, sew. (Night) Show, show, show. Luckily it only went over about 45 minutes. I got home a little after 11pm.

Saturday- Matinee show... Matinee marathon. Seven hours later and five loads of laundry it is done. Let us celebrate by eating a pizza for a late dinner.

Sunday- Back to Asheville for second round of fabric. The meal changed a bit and portions needed to be adjusted (see above analogy.) Nikki came home (yay!) and we went to bed early. Early by our standards- late by the rest of human kind's. I just got elbowed and couldn't go back to sleep because I began going over all the lyrics to J & H, my plan for the week, my plan for the nest three weeks and wondering how many of the chocolate chips cookies setting on the counter I can put in my mouth at once. I've already brushed my teeth, so the answer to the cookie question must wait for another day.

This past week, I consider to be a rather relaxed week. Just imagine- oh I feel sorry for you mere mortals (like Harry Potter). Incidentally, I saw an interview on tv not long ago with JK Rowling which made me think I might like to read those books. Needless to say, that thought lasted all of a few blinks and I have since remembered I don't like to read- unless you count the two scripts (one a quick comedy, the other a wooly mammoth) I am currently editing which are squeezed into everything else.

Things I neglected to mention:

A loose hose in a janitor closet caused a severe flood in the office. Conrad Birdie has a water line across his ankles. 94. 8 percent of old people are cranky and no, just because you have lived longer than me it doesn't give you the right to say to me, "Now, son...". This week I saw a used (pardon me, pre-owned ) car lot of wheelchairs. You know that scene in the Wizard of Oz where the four lead characters almost make it to the Emerald City, but first they have to cross the field of poppies. Imagine if the poppies were wheel chairs and you will see what I saw. I love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love Dr. Pepper from Chic-Fil-A. It is the perfect combination of of magical syrup and explosive carbonation. Chic-Fil-A, when the rest of the world do me wrong, you do me so right.

RIP Smudge/ Moushy

2010-10-13T18:10:00.001-04:00

Forever a friend. Forever grateful. Forever a part of the theatre family.

Buddies

2010-10-10T20:49:00.001-04:00

Captain Underpants

2010-10-09T14:36:00.001-04:00

Injun Joe Says...

2010-10-05T23:13:00.001-04:00

I'm gonna git' chee.

Indiliosus Mickey Mousious

2010-10-02T09:39:00.003-04:00

Read Rachel's latest blog entry. She says I am a nerd, loser and live in a fantasy world? At least Mickey Mouse is real, I've spoken to him. I found these custom made vinylmations on line. I did not make them myself, I have much more taste. I did, however, think that perhaps Rachel would enjoy them and it was a way to appreciate one another's senseless obsessions.

Hey World!

2010-09-26T15:36:00.001-04:00

There's a great, big, beautiful tomorrow!

Extended Stay

2010-09-25T23:28:00.000-04:00

We were supposed to come home today. We didn't. We will be home tomorrow. Instead we had one more day of fun, food, entertainment and inspiration. You don't realize how fried your brain and body are until you actual wind down a bit. We started the day at the studios for lunch, then headed to Magic Kingdom for a final ride on Splash Mountain and finally to Epcot for a wonderful Italian dinner. We ended with the final performance of The American Adventure (hosted by Ben Franklin and Mark Twain in the photo)- what I think is the greatest show produced on Disney property. I also have a cool story about this show when I get a chance to talk about the back stage tour. All in all, the weather was great and the company was even better. Trying to decided right now when the next break will be when we can return- Christmas maybe? Oh well, heigh ho, heigh ho. Back to work I go. M-I-C... See you
real soon.

Back Stage Tour

2010-09-24T23:30:00.001-04:00

I went on the back stage tour today while Nikki was going to hang out at the resort. Amazingly enough when I had returned this afternoon, she had found an outlet mall- hmmmm? Anyhoo, the tour was great, so great that there is no way I can describe it in a short post, so that will come later. We got to go several cool places like the underground, the guts of the Tower of Terror and the wardrobe department (can't wait to tell mom and Catherine about the automatic laser cutting table)- I even got to watch workers carving the log boats for Splash Mountain. Plus I got a neat trading pin from the guide. We weren't allowed to take photos except in the landscape area where they create all the topiaries. Wonderful experience! Then I came back to the hotel and picked up Nikki where we went to Downtown Disney for dinner and a movie. But then, to top off a fabulous day, I went into the Vinylmation
store only to pick up a box which contained a Buzz! Can you believe it? It's true- it only takes a bit of hope, trust and pixie dust. Nikki is rolling her eyes right now.

Jazzy Incognito

2010-09-23T22:02:00.001-04:00

These ducks so wanted a bite of our pretzel this afternoon. Reminded me of the Jazz-miester.

Who Is That I See in the Distance?

2010-09-23T21:59:00.001-04:00

On the top shelf, Nikki saw her twin. Movie this afternoon then Hollywood Studios to the Sci-Fi for dinner. A fun-filled night of Fantasmic and lots o' food. Tomorrow I get to do the four park backstage tour which is a whopping seven hours long. So excited to go to the costume department, parade set up, show prep and even underground the Magic Kingdom. I will only be able to write about it, I was told "no cameras allowed", but lunch at the Wilderness lodge is included. It starts bright and early at 8:45am, so I better get to sleep- if I can at all tonight. Yipee!

Rachel This Picture is for You

2010-09-22T22:14:00.001-04:00

It says, "If you want to party, get with smarty." Too bad you said Brett gave you your favorite birthday wish or you might actually get the shirt and not just a picture. Not too smarty, are you?

Dear Mr. Disney You Are My Hero

2010-09-22T22:09:00.001-04:00

Such a wonderful work ethic. I appreciate folks who work themselves into a frazzle for no other reason than getting it done right.

Today was Nikki's mall day. Let's just say that my Vinylmations cannot hold a candle. Still on the search for Buzz. I'm beginning to think perhaps it is not meant for this trip. One of the workers in the Magic Kingdom opened a brand new set for Nikki and me to shake. We shook and shook 24 boxes hoping to find the correct resistance and weight. Alas, it was another Woody which I soon traded. We also had dinner at the Liberty Tree Tavern- one of our favorites. Right now we are both stuffed with turkey, roast beef, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans, gravy and apple crisp. Heavenly. Tomorrow night we are eating at the Sci-Fi, another of our favorite spots. I also had an idea for a show moment today while riding Pirates- hang on.

Goodnight From Epcot

2010-09-21T22:11:00.001-04:00

Vinylmickey

2010-09-21T22:09:00.001-04:00

A mickey statue of Vinylmations. Too fun! Today we set out on a mission to find two specific styles- a yellow swirl and a Buzz from the Toy Story collection. Even Nikki has gotten into it with the whole weighing and shaking of the boxes. Got the yellow swirl (I was leaving the store and heard the box calling to me) but Buzz is still out. Amanda and Paul met us at Epcot for laser show and Vinylmation searches (Paul is just as bad as me.) We've found everyone but Buzz! Friday morning at D-Street, there is an artist presentation with some special commemorative items. Paul and I are going to check it out and leave the girls to sleeping. I am afraid to post a picture of the ones I have purchased because both Nikki and I have lost count. When she sees them it will give her more ammunition for shopping tomorrow.

Nikki's New Friend

2010-09-21T17:18:00.001-04:00

Hey Badda Badda Swing

2010-09-21T12:45:00.001-04:00

This is our hotel. The stairwell is in the coke cup.

Beautiful Day

2010-09-20T23:25:00.001-04:00

Slept late. Did some work (vacation is never really vacation). Went to the Market Place where I got two Vinylmations I've been looking for. Epcot for dinner and Magic Kingdom for parade and fireworks where I got two more Vinylmations- one I had been searching for since last trip. What a wonderful day to be married so you can compare who ate the most and neither of you cares who wins. Now, where did I put that ice cream...

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We Are Sports Fanatics!

2010-09-19T21:58:00.001-04:00

Bet the title of that post threw a lot of you. Since Nikki and I are Disney pass holders, we got a really great deal on a resort for the week. The only thing is, it was only available at the sports resort. No big deal, all we do is sleep there to build our strength for the following day of play. I took this photo to counter any idea that Nikki our myself have inflated egos. Neither of our heads would even come close to fitting in this helmet. See what I mean about being sports people- Nikki thinks this is a football pose. Sadly, I couldn't tell if it was or not either.

Great Day

2010-09-19T21:50:00.001-04:00

Sleep this morning, Epcot this afternoon and Hollywood Studios this evening. We met Paul and Amanda for Dinner and had some great times laughing and riding rides and seeing shows. The days are still hot here (after all, it's Florida), but the nights are heavenly with a wonderful breeze. I want to live under that big, blue hat behind us in the photo.

Uh-Oh

2010-09-19T10:40:00.001-04:00

It's already started!

Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho

2010-09-17T15:47:00.002-04:00

Life is great. Got the car packed full of scripts that need to be read and a fresh sketch book ready for some set and costume designs. Can't wait to get to the most creative place in the world with my most favorite person in the world. My eyes are wide open and my brain ready for a slap of imaginative inspiration. Heigh ho, heigh ho- away we go!

PS- It doesn't hurt there is a new set of vinylmations that have just been released. Tee-hee.

Sonic on a Summer Night

2010-09-14T20:46:00.001-04:00

Maybe it's time I broke down and let Nikki have a baby.

Goodbye Little Friend

2010-09-13T21:14:00.003-04:00

Before anyone begins reading this post, it may seem cheesy, overly sympathetic and to some offensive. If you have a strong reaction to any of those ideas- stop reading, in other words go back to your shallow, unimportant views of life and your own existence.

I have been learning about this little girl named Anne Frank for over a year now. I've read many articles on her life, her writing and circumstances. I never read the actual diary nor saw any of the movie version of the play. I wanted the play to be completely original to our stage and not influenced by any other media. I do, however, know that the play is not completely historically accurate with Anne's writings, but rather a dramatic presentation of an instance in history and an example of what millions of people and families went through during the crazy and evil existence of the Nazi army. Most of us have no real-life situation that can even compare to what Anne and her fellow roommates went through, nor do I wish such circumstances. I do think that many, no, all of us take our blessings for granted.

Anne Frank's story is that of hope. A story of an optimistic dreamer who, at times, became overwhelmed with the people and situations she had been dealt. Anne knew what she had at one time and wanted more than anything to know where she was going. She knew that if given the second chance at life, she was going to live it. Unfortunately, she never got that second chance. But, how many of us have been given such an opportunity and thrown it to the side only to satisfy our own desires?

I spent the last year thinking and reading, but since August 18 I had been living with Anne. I looked at many, many pictures of the entire family and the others living the the loft with her. I looked at the loft, the area around business, the Holocaust, the victims and survivors. A lot of people asked if this show was depressing to work on. The answer, "no." It wasn't depressing, but you did want to work so hard to get it right. I can't say that you could ever get a show like this right because the script and characters have so many different layers, but you can put all your heart into it and the audience will hopefully be moved.

I think our audiences were moved. A lot of people said they cried. I don't judge a reaction to Anne's story by the tears- people cry at tv commercials at Christmas. I judge the reaction of the audience by the silence. There is so much to think about after the lights go down at the end of the story. If the audience is quiet at the end, then it proves they are still thinking.

Obviously, not everyone would be affected. Just like I don't get excited about Super Bowl Sunday. But I do wonder about the condition of their hearts. Even if you did not like our presentation of Anne's story, hopefully the realization that these were real people would get under your skin, if only slightly.

I completely appreciate the efforts of our cast and crew. The Diary of Anne Frank was a beautiful production that will live with me forever. I am never satisfied with a show, but with this one, I am truly happy. I am so proud to have experience this story with this cast. I will always look back to the past three weeks as a very special time for me as a person and me as a (and I use this term loosely) an artist.

There of course will be those who just don't get it and never will. To those who might say, the show or story was boring (don't get me wrong, I like glitter just as much or more than the other person) or uninteresting, then to them I say this- pick which one best suits you:

a) You are stupid.

b) We will wait till you mature and then let you have another opinion.

c) In terms of the theatre world, your artistic integrity is not up to par. In other words, get educated, get interested and stick to shows where the performers jeans are way too tight- that would seem to be more your speed.

Anne, I will miss you. I don't begrudge the many hours I sat in the pit waiting for a two minute moment on stage. It was my honor. Thank you.

That's All I Have to Say About That

2010-09-05T12:26:00.002-04:00

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

A Star is Born... Where You Least Expected It

2010-09-03T23:38:00.003-04:00

So, here I am enjoying my after rehearsal dinner of a pepperoni Digiorno pizza while watching the Disney channel premiere of Camp Rock 2. Don't judge me, I like pizza. As I watch Camp Rock (which I must say is a complete disappointment, what ever happened to the good old days of High School Musical?) I think about all these kids in this camp trying to be rock stars and dancers and musicians and how they compare to those kids I know.

We have been working on Anne Frank for only about two and a half weeks and we open in less than a week. That's fast in show world. Everyone is doing a great job- it is going to be a very moving show. At the beginning of this whole experience, the day the cast list was posted people had a cocked eyebrow at some of the choices I made. There were no doubts in the ability of performers, however, from looking at past characters some folks, I'm sure, thought Rachel as Anne Frank? Rachel? The girl who is always the twitchy, elastic faced nerd? Yes, that girl.

Rachel is amazing me at every rehearsal. In the beginning, she was falling into old habits. Over the top spasms and ski jump stances. But in less than two weeks, she as gained so much control in the physical, vocal and emotional aspects of the character. We have talked a lot about what Anne is going through. There is no way any of us can understand what any of these people went through, so we have talked about situations in their own lives that could hold a similar emotional association. The girl "performer" that makes everyone laugh because of her goofy gestures has become a full on "actress" with control, emotion, interest, and (hold on), subtlety and grace. This show is not to be missed, not only because it is such an important story, but because all the performances are a thrill to experience. And, how often do you get to see a self proclaimed nerd become a swan?

What Am I Doing Awake at This Moment? Thinking.

2010-09-03T01:41:00.003-04:00

One would think I should be sleeping. I am not. That seems to be a virus going around lately: Go to bed, can't sleep, get up, be grumpy the next day. I've caught it... except for the grumpy part... we shall see. Why can none of us sleep? We've become chronic late night thinkers. Instead of letting our brains refresh like normal folks, it keeps on going even when the rest of the body is screaming lay down.

It's true- for about the past year I have even been working in my sleep. Actually, I've done it long before that, it was just recently brought to my attention. Nikki says I have this jerk thing I do when I'm asleep. She can ask me the next morning what I was dreaming (thinking) about in my sleep- go figure it is usually about a show- and then she tells me I had the jerks. It is nothing to be frightened of, I'm not flailing my body across the mattress. Just little tiny movements, although sometimes large enough to wake me up.

Back in the spring, we went to bed after a busy day. I started dozing into dreamland- you know that place where you are beginning to fall asleep, but you are still semi-aware of what is going on around you. Anyway, here I am my body thinking I'm in one place and my mind thinking I'm in another when Nikki says, "What are you doing? You are jerking in your sleep!" I wasn't jerking, I was merely choreographing Joseph in my dreams. Yea, I was dancing in the bed... half asleep... half awake... didn't even know I was doing it, but yet at the same time, I did. Yes, this is the point where you can say, "What planet is your brain from?"

What makes it even worse, Nikki has started the same thing- even waking herself up too. I must have been doing the hand jive last night because she said I elbowed her forehead- it was the first instance of dream choreography violence.

It's a bad thing to not be able to separate work from bed time. Oh well, most people try to sleep on the job. We just try to sleep at home. It's not working.

Anne Frank is coming along This show is keeping me awake- not because of the actors, so don't be paranoid if you are in the show and reading this. AF is a very small show, but there is a lot of detail. It's the details I'm sweating. If we had an entire year to work out details (character development) we still wouldn't have enough time. That goes for pulling props too. Amanda has been pulling/ making/ searching for props for days on end. Maybe that is why she is grumpy... just teasing (no I'm not, but I used special ink on these words and she can't read them.)

Nikki is out of town for a few days. Maybe that is why I am not asleep. I am very much a nester when it comes to Nikki. Although I know she is safe and at her current destination, I still feel uneasy about her not being where she is supposed to be at bed time.

I wish they would hurry up and build that super Wal-Mart. I could be getting some work done with 24 hour business hours. McDonald's is open- golden brown french fries. Mmmmmmm. No, Nikki, I'm not going right now and no, I'm not addicted to french fries... it's the ketchup.

I know Nikki is going to read this, look at the time it was posted and ask what were you thinking? That's just it- I was thinking, that's why I'm awake.

Do you realize we have been rehearsing something since the end of January. That means about nine to ten hours of building/ sewing/ paining during the day and rehearsals or concerts in the evening. I don't remember the last day I had free. But all that is going to change- after AF, I am am going to take three whole days where I don't do anything that requires thinking. Ok, maybe a little thinking- I have to decided which side of my waffle fries is going to get the ketchup.

Shame

2010-08-31T23:43:00.001-04:00

I'd turn my head away too if my mom made me wear that sweater.

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There Are Days...

2010-08-28T16:57:00.001-04:00

There are days when all I need is to sit under the shadow of a giant plaster castle in central Florida. This is one of those days.

Joseph Photos

2010-08-13T13:39:00.003-04:00

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat photos are finally up- sorry it took me a while. The link is to the right.

71 Years Over the Rainbow

2010-08-12T09:43:00.002-04:00

Today marks the 71st brithday of The Wizard of Oz- the most perfect movie ever made.

Seperated at Birth- Jazzy and ?

2010-08-07T16:16:00.004-04:00

Jazzy and...

Emmet Otter.

Vinylmation... My New Obsession

2010-08-04T21:10:00.005-04:00

So, on a recent trip to Disney World last April I discovered a new collection Disney has created to rob my future children of a college fund. They are called vinylmations and are all created in teh iconic image of Mickey Mouse. Each one is designed by an artist (whose autograph is on the bottom of the foot) and packaged in sets. When you purchase a vinylmation, they are grouped according to set, however, each figure is in a black box and you have no idea which vinylmation you are getting. One might say, but why, oh but there is the excitement. Opening the box and ripping into the foil pouch which holds your new piece of art is a thrill. No comments please, Nikki knows she is married to a nerd and she loves me anyway. If you do get a duplicate, there are certain stores through out the Disney parks where you can go to a clear glass case and trade for another that you don't have in your collection. They are sold only in the Disney parks and online. There is an official Vinylmation website where you can view the different collections and make purchases say, if anyone you might know is a collector and you would like to buy them a gift for a brithday, Christmas or (cough, cough) just because they mean so much to your life and you would like to express it in a piece of Mickey shaped plastic. I may seem crazy, but if you go on line you can find people who are much more seriously "touched" by the vinylmation movement. I just think it is fun. At least my drug of choice is only Dr. Pepper and Disney- I don't think I will show up in the arrest section of the newpaper for that crime. So far, my numbers are small and the little pals are displayed on a shelf in my office... As seen below.

The other cool thing about Vinylmations is they come completely blank white and you can create your own. There is an entire store in Downtown Disney called D-Street where you can buy Vinylmations or design your own at a large drawing table. I spent a lot of time in there last visit. There are some one of a kind creations on display done by comissioned artists which are great fun to look at as well. After finding the blank canvas Mickeys, I decided to start a show tradition of creating a Vinylmation for each show we do at the theatre. If I am in the show, I will re-create the character I played or get all artsy and design a representation of the show. Amazingly enough the creation of those little guys is great therapy. After the stress of a show, it is great to finish it off and close it out by having a little personal creativity time. They are tiny (about 3 inches tall) and extremely intricate to paint, but I enjoy every minute of it. Below are my first two.

Pharoah from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Complete with blue lips, glittering eye lids,jeweled rings and sequin shoes.

The Beast from Beauty and the Beast. Although you can't see it in the photo, the cape he is wearing was made from a scrap of the fabric that the actual costume was made of nad his horns were carved from a chunk of styrofoam left over from the set.

So may say I am silly, come to think of it, I've heard that all of my life and really and truly, I am. But oh well, I am a happy silly.

Baby's First Photo

2010-08-01T20:32:00.003-04:00

Goodnight Daaaaahling

2010-07-22T22:50:00.002-04:00

The Wheels on the Bus

2010-07-22T14:17:00.002-04:00

Dear "To Whom it May Concern..."

2010-07-17T22:07:00.003-04:00

Nikki is not feeling well and we had no shows at the theatre tonight. So I have two choices (actually three, but I'm avoiding the doom called the spare bedroom and the items of clothing that need to be put away) one of which is watching Nikki sleep on the couch while watching a Meg Ryan movie marathon or staring at the living room walls. They are lovely walls with photos of wedding and family, but not enough to grasp the attention of a professed member of the ADD club. So what do I do? I think it is time to catch up in what's been going on in my life and for a rant or two...

Dear Facebook Users,

Do some of you have jobs? I've never seen so many people have time to play games where they trade cows or grow wheat or some other senseless digital make believe. If you do not have a job, are my taxes paying your well fare while you play these games? If you do have a job, do you realize that when you announce you baby calf gained a pound the time at which the event took place is posted on your satis. Just FYI. Your boss knows if he or she is your FB friend. I never thought I'd see the day when I enjoyed the idea of reading you were going to the grocery store for milk.

Dear Alton Brown,

I know most people find you grating and annoying (alas, they do me as well, my kindred spirit), but I do enjoy you late night food show, "Good Eats." It is entertaining and informative. I really enjoyed last night's episode of various cheese dips. I'm not sure if it was Nikki's fever talking that gave me the giggles or the idea of having a dinner party based only on cheese. Either way, Alton, you entertain me. Thanks for being a late-night pal.

Dear Twilight Saga,

I must confess I had little or no care for you for the past few years. I must, however, say the third movie currently in theatres is quite entertaining. Less angst on the brow and more action in the story. Mostly, thank you for explaining why the character Jasper has an accent and a really weird haircut. I know all you twi-hearts say if I had read the books, I would already know why. But really, think about it. Books? That is so "civil war era"- that's a reference to Jasper. All those that protest should just be happy I remember his name.

Dear McDonald's,

For the past decade or so, I have loathed you. Now, your crispy chicken mcnuggets and gold brown fries are my drug of choice beyond the usual Dr. Pepper. I am a McPepper.

Dear Summer,

Oh, how I love you. Mostly because, dear pants oh how I dislike you.

Dear Vinylmations,

You know how to make me become obsessed. Oh how you toy with me in you small black box and the mystery of what is within. How long before this phase passes? Nikki hopes soon. I hope never.

Dear Papa's Pizza,

Square pizza- mmmmmmm. I believe you Hughie Lewis, it is hip to be square.

Dear Hostess Chocolate Cupcakes,

With out you, breakfast would be a mere reference to life before 9am or a passing commercial for Denny's. Speaking of Denny's, someday I will have to tell the story of being at a Denny's in Kisseemee Florida at 2am and the waitress assigned to my table having a nervous breakdown in the parking lot while we waited for a basket of chicken strips. I had never eaten at a Denny's before in my life and will probably never go again.

Dear Cats and Dogs, the Revenge of Kitty Galore,

For all your creativity, I still do not plan to see you.

Dear Lifesavors,

Thank you for the pineapple flavor. Finally, something in life that is good to suck at.

Warning

2010-07-16T12:35:00.001-04:00

This is why you don't squeeze the bottle of body wash while smelling the flavor.

No Rehearsal Night

2010-07-14T23:52:00.002-04:00

Rehearsal was done early tonight so Nikki and I had a nice dinner together, went to a late movie and came home at midnight to see a beautiful star filled summer night. No, I did not just run over Nikki. This is her lying in the parking lot admiring the universe. The things we do when the rest of the world is sleeping. Silly kids.

It's Electrifyin'

2010-07-10T01:17:00.001-04:00

Disney day three: one word, hot. Started at Animal Kingdom and made my way back to Epcot. I had seen a few items for Nikki and wanted to get them before the rush of tomorrow. Afterwards, I went back to the hotel to cool off a bit. On my way I went by the Earl of Sandwich and picked up some early dinner. Back at the Magic Kingdom by 7:30pm in time to ride Pirates and grab an orange slushi before the electric parade and fireworks. I've never really given much attention to folks when I'm here, yea I've people watched but never really observed them. Since I'm here alone and have no one to talk to in line, I've spent more time watching. The conclusion: people are even more stupid than I give them credit for. But with a million twinkling lights and an orange slushi, I'm not distracted by them for long. By the way, the new fireworks for the summer- spectacular! Tomorrow is Paul's wedding, so I
will play in the morning at the studios. No visit is complete without saying hi to the muppets.

And Here I Am Now

2010-07-09T20:59:00.000-04:00

This is Where I Is

2010-07-09T13:14:00.001-04:00

This is Where I Was

2010-07-09T12:38:00.001-04:00

Live Right Get Your Minnies in a Row

2010-07-08T23:33:00.001-04:00

Disney day two: slept in then went to Epcot to see Captain EO, a 3D movie from the 80's staring Michael Jackson. I remember seeing this movie a looong time ago. It is at Epcot for only a limited time to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the film. Made my way around to Mexico and had a giant plate of nachos for lunch- incidentally, the Pirate E Perico at the Magic Kingdom has nachos again. They were off the menu for about the last five years, but they're back! Hurray! Went to Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios then back to Magic Kingdom. Saw lots of shows, ate lots of food, walked lots of steps. It took everything I had not to jump up on one of the floats in the parade this afternoon. Maybe tomorrow they won't be so lucky. It was a good day, it could have been a great day, but there was just one thing missing. Electric parade tomorrow night, Animal Kingdom in the morning. Saw a great quote from Walt Disney today, "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." Amen, brotha!

Disney Day One

2010-07-07T22:12:00.001-04:00

So after two long weeks, I came down to Orlando for Paul's wedding this weekend. I decided I deserved an extra day or two to play in the park. Nikki stayed home due to work, so it is kinda weird being here by myself. After making it in record time (8 1\2 hours) I had a nice dinner and icecream at the market place and went to some of my favorite shops, the first being the vinylmation store where I purchased two new friends- one of which I was hoping for when I pulled the box from the display. Tomorrow I'm going on a photo safari in the parks. Right now though, crash time. I have the air cranked to 55 and plan to sleep well. Goodnight O-town.

Vault Disney

2010-07-04T15:08:00.002-04:00

I have discovered this great site where old videos from Disney TV specials are posted. This one is particularly interesting to any of us who have gone to Epcot- it shows all the construction and mounds of dirt that would one day be my stomping grounds. Spaceship Earth is fun to see when it was just beginning to take shape with metal ribbing.

Happy Fourth of July

2010-07-04T14:04:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday SMCPA!

2010-07-03T16:19:00.001-04:00

Opening day July 3, 2009. One year old and already such a big boy.

Lesson of the Week (or life)

2010-06-28T22:06:00.001-04:00

Find happiness and satisfaction in yourself. Appreciation is fleeting, if it exists at all.

Beauty (and the Beast) is in the Eye of the Beholder

2010-06-27T22:55:00.004-04:00

I didn't really get to express my full opinion of the final look back at Joseph and now that Beauty and the Beast is done, I figure I would cover them both at the same time. First of all a warning- there will be bragging. I completely believe that those who can do, those who think they can tell you about how good they are. I'm not going to tell you how good I am, but rather how good the people around me are. I don't have an ego, but I do have confidence in my abilities. Not that I always know what I'm doing, but I will figure out a way to accomplish what I want to do. That comes with having a strong support team. People have no idea the amount of work involved in a production- even a small one and to do two major shows in two months of one another is beyond any normal sanity. We closed Joseph on April 24, we opened B & B on June 24- two months to the day. This may seem that grand of a feat unless you consider that every bit of rehearsal for both shows had to take place after normal working hours. Cheers to people and their passions.

First let me start with the people I see many more hours than I do my own family: Effie, Amanda and Sam. I can have an extreme vision that wows my own imagination but without the three of them, their dedication and desire to create the best possible product, it would be nothing more than some scribbles on paper. Some companies have all the creative people in the world working for them, but they don't have the relationship, support and comprehensive drive needed to create. So often audience members will confuse what truly makes a good show. The building or venue and technology can be the greatest and grandest, but without the people it is nothing but an empty shell. People create the art, art inspires the technology and technology facilitates the art- in that order and only in that order. These three folks go beyond any forty-hour a week job requirement. They sacrifice evenings, weekends, special occasions and almost all holidays. Why? Because they believe in what they are do. If you don't like what you are doing (and I use this term loosely) for a living- get out of it. Effie, Sam and Amanda- I love watching all of you do what you love to do and appreciate your respect, confidence and trust in my thoughts.

Having said that, I believe all your hard work can be celebrated after a wonderfully successful run of a show. Not just a large amount of people saw your work, but thousands! How many acts can say that? Why? Because you don't just entertain, you put every aspect of your being into a production, beyond blood, sweat and tears. You don't create plastic- a shiny experience that is hollow. An audience knows the difference and respects such. I respect ya'll. (Everett and the interns- you too. And especially Nikki for being willing to be married to and OCD type personality. Speaking of Nikki, where do you think my inspiration comes from?!?!?!?)

I am very proud of Joseph- if it was not a commercial success with attendance (that's a whole other story which I will not blame on the vision, execution or performance, but rather something that we are hopefully correcting). Joseph was a creative success in terms of overall production and growth of actors.

B & B was beautiful thanks to the before mentioned creative team and my mom, Catherine and Lainey. The fabric passed between their fingers in the last four months is more than you can imagine... I mean miles.... literally! Not because of the rewards they will reap but because the have a passion, but more importantly a dedication to the dreams and heart of their children. If ever you doubt if you are loved, take a look and see what your parents are willing to go through in order to make their children smile. I don't mean handing them a dollar and saying go buy something pretty, but instead giving them the example of hard work and what will come of that work. Now that is true beauty.

If This Doesn't Make You Happy, Nothing Will

2010-06-06T12:25:00.001-04:00

Last Night in Disney

2010-05-07T23:06:00.001-04:00

Goofy/Mickey is sad. He has to leave this wonderful world tomorrow. Had a great time, lots of eating and fun. Nikki even gave me a great surprise today! Goofy\Mickey is happy because of that surprise. He'll see his friends soon again. Sigh! Now it's time to say goodbye to all our company... You know the rest and if you don't, never speak to me again.

My wife, the lobster. Lots

2010-05-06T22:12:00.001-04:00

My wife, the lobster. Lots of sun in Orlando. I can see my flip-flop line across the top of my foot. Again, we've eaten way too much. Fireworks!

It Feels Like Home

2010-05-05T23:31:00.000-04:00

Greetings from the happiest place on earth! Weather is great, food is abundant and fun is non-stop. Even when going all day at WDW, it still feels relaxing. My creative juices go crazy in this place and my OCD runs rampant. Make it bigger, better, more perfect. That's a good philosophy.

Jolly Holiday

2010-05-03T11:33:00.001-04:00

Mary Poppins at the Fox- go see it! Beautiful and magical, not for little kids because it is almost three hours long, but still amazingly wonderful!

Go, Go, Go Joseph... Gone

2010-04-26T22:52:00.002-04:00

We finished up Joseph this past weekend. The show went very well- it will always be one of my favorites and very important in terms of the grand scope of my life as an actor, director, producer. I learned so much from this show the first time I did it twelve years ago. I would consider this production as a creative success. I think everyone did a wonderful job with the presentation of it. I loved the look of the show and although I look back and see so many things that I would "fix" which most people would not even notice... but I would. I would like to have seen more people in the audience, but it was a very stormy weekend and there is just so much going on right now that people are having to make choices as to what they see. In the past two weeks we have had six different shows playing. Folks have to make their choices. I understand, but I certainly enjoyed watching the cast during all the rehearsals and from the wings on show nights. Great work, kids! I will post pictures soon.

Beauty and the Beast rehearsals begin tomorrow night (Tuesday). Strangely enough, after one night of rest I am ready to dive in. I just hope my body can keep up with my mind. I just hope everyone else can keep up with my mind.

One week from today, Nikki and I will be giving our creativity a punch of excitement. Nothing like sunshine, palm trees and a little Disney pixie dust to make your imagination soar. Hold on, the next six weeks are going to be a great and crazy ride. I will not have to eat any fiber- I will be swallowing about nine pounds of yak fur per performance. I promise not to spit on anyone.

Two Years Ago Today...

2010-04-19T17:57:00.000-04:00

Happy Anniversary, Nikki!

Fat America

2010-04-17T17:01:00.002-04:00

I was just on my way back to the theatre for tonight's show, when suddenly I got an urge for a cherry limeade from Sonic on this beautiful afternoon. As I pulled to the window, my urge became adventurous and I decided to try a watermelon limeade. The car in front of me is shouting her order at the call box loud enough for the folks over at McDonald's drive through to hear. And she says, "Do I have to get tots with my combo or can I choose another side?" The voice on the other end of the box says, "No, you can choose another side for forty cents more." "Ok." she says, "Give me a number nine as big as it gets." Whatever you do, America, do not blame school lunches for creating a society of fatsoes. Incidently, the watermelon limeade is quite good, the cherry has more of a bite when in need of a sugar zap, but the watermelon a smooth cadence much like that of a relaxing afternoon.

After Rehearsal

2010-04-14T23:57:00.002-04:00

After rehearsal tonight, Nikki and I went driving around town. Before we were married we would do that quite a bit. Not because we particularly enjoyed crusin', but because we would enjoy the summer air through the moon roof or in the winter look at Christmas lights. Tonight we went on a hunt for food. Do you ever have a craving for something and you have no idea what it is you want. That was me tonight. Before rehearsal, Nikki had Subway. I don't eat before because I know it will keep me from jumping around as hyper as should. Nothing sounded good- Taco Bell still isn't on my list after getting the stomach bug on a night after tacos... that's all we will say about that.

We drove around in circles and after going over every option went home to watch the recording of American Idol tonight while munching on a frozen pizza which was lodged in the back of our freezer... just beyond the mountains of butter and buns. Nikki has a complex- she thinks as soon as you buy a box of butter, you put it in the freezer as well as any type of bread. I, on the other hand, believe if you are not going to eat it before it goes bad, don't buy it or buy a smaller portion. Bread that has been in the freezer is like gum that has already been chewed. I don't like it and will not say I will never eat it, but as long as I can buy it fresh, what is in the freezer will stay in the freezer. I think it gives Nikki comfort in case of a stock market crash.

Rehearsals are going very nice. Usual sloppy dance steps. Usual problem with actors forgetting to pick up their props and thus drinking from an "air" glass. Usual changes that everyone has to adjust to at this time in a show. It will all work out and be a great, fun show.

I have always been a person who does better at night. Mornings are painful. As time goes by, my clock is getting more and more turned upside down and I find myself staying up later and later because I can get lots of creative stuff done at night. Mainly because I have no distractions. During the day at work, everyone is always busy and you can get called away to something else while in the middle of a project. I like to work at night, but not with anyone else unless they are really fun. You fun people know who you are. If you are reading this and you are wondering if you are on my fun list, don't ask. You might be disappointed. Just kidding- you are all fun... except when you get tired and whiny.

I'm still craving, but what, I don't know. As many of you know, Nikki and I never have food at our house, but tonight I was noticing we have tons of items that go on food- spices, toppings, ketchup (the mother of all toppings), and cake frosting. Cake frosting?

Excuse me while I get a spoon.

Happy Birthday Samuel!

2010-04-09T18:03:00.001-04:00

Late Night Ramblings April 8, 2010

2010-04-08T00:19:00.002-04:00

My beauty is asleep in the other room. I am not. I am so exhausted- my body can hardly move but my mind is going 80 mph. So, my misery is the blog's delight.

Since last we met, the anguish over a certain costume is over. I am very happy to say that Joseph has a completed prince costume... except for the metallic gold combat boots. I'm not kidding. The theatre is a hustle and bustle of things coming. Six major shows in the next two weeks. More nights working than nights off. I'm not complaining- I don't like to dig ditches.

Big Mike should have been booted from American Idol tonight. Stupid save rule. That would have finally brought some excitement to that show. I don't know if this year is just boring or if last year was just so good. I'm still feeling a buzz from the great concert Danny Gokey gave last weekend.

Is it only Wednesday? Wait, I think now it is Thursday. Is it only Thursday?

Had dinner with Paul and his fiance tonight. Nice time together- then went back to the theatre for a bit. A recurring theme. I've known Paul since he was in the third grade and now he is getting married?!?!? Wow, his parents must be ok with him getting married at age 14 because I know "m not that old.

I love this warm weather, mostly because I don't like pants. I like flip-flops too. You know in most places they are called thongs, but if I said I loved thongs, everyone reading this would get the wrong idea.

I did not drink Dr. Pepper tonight, only water. Last night before bed I drank a huge Dr. Pepper and fell right to sleep- sleep all night like a baby. I had that large Dr. Pepper to go with my large fries, but by the time Nikki let go of them they were a small fry.

Nikki likes french fries. Drive me nuts when people call the freedom fries. That's like calling Brazil nuts, South American chickletts.

Sam grew his hair out for Joseph. I like his shaggy hair- I vote don't cut it. It will go very nicely with his new skirt. Speaking of Joseph, most of the actors playing brothers spend a lot of time dancing on their knees. I bought them knee pads, but I think we are going to have to pad the knee pads. Yea, what's the point. I should have just given them some foam and a roll of duct tape. Speaking of duct tape, how crazy would I have been if the had come out with the multicolored kind when I was younger. My mom would still be scraping it off my bed rooms walls hoping to find some sheet rock somewhere. There's an idea, we should have gone all modern and "green" and made all the costumes for Joseph out of recycled materials. Joseph's coat could have been multicolored duct tape. Strike would have been easy, just wad the whole show up and toss it in the trash. Does duct take hold body odor? That would have been a serious draw back, but I could give the laser wash free advertisement by letting the cast walk through the car wash in their costumes.

My car is covered in pollen. It needs to go through the car wash. I don't even have time to go to the car wash. I wonder if they are open at 1 am? Whoa, what kind of freaks do you think hang out at the car wash in the middle of the night? Never mind.

I hate taxes. Will mail mine next week.

I love Florida. I hear you calling my name sweet breeze through the palm trees. No wait, that's just Jazzy snoring in the floor beside me. Just kidding, he doesn't snore... he talks in his sleep... just like Nikki... boy, the stories she has told and not even known it. I should create a blog just for Nikki's late night conversations.

We have built a giant sphinx head for the scene in Egypt (in Joseph). People keep calling it the Pharaoh's head. It take too much effort to correct them. On Pharaoh's costume, he has a giant "P" on his belt buckle. People think it stands for "Pharaoh" but it actually stand for "Phatt". I mean the cool version, not the overweight version... that is why it is spelled P-H-A... oh, nevermind.

People who can't dance are very fun to watch in a tragic sort of way- I'm talking about Dancing with the Stars, not the show.. nudge, nudge.

I'm hungry now at 12:51 am. We have no food in our house. We don't but groceries because we are never here to eat. Nikki did have two chocolate Easter bunnies in the back of her car. They've been there since Sunday and now are probably one giant lump of a chocolate carcass. As cousin Eddy says, "Now that's some good eatin'."